Merit badge days are often hosted by [[local councils]], districts, [[troops]], civic groups, fraternities, or [[chartered organizations]] and held at a college campus, high school, civic area or during a camporee. Many merit badge events are held once a year, often in the fall, winter, or spring.

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Merit badge days are often hosted by [[local councils]], districts, [[troops]], civic groups, fraternities, or [[chartered organizations]] and held at a college campus, high school, civic area or during a camporee. Many merit badge events are held once a year as an indoor, outdoor, or combination event.

The largest merit badge event is the [[National Jamboree]] Merit Badge Midway, established at Fort A.P. Hill. Since 1981, this program has been held at each jamboree and is expected to feature hundreds of counselors offering nearly 100 merit badges to thousands of Boy Scouts at the [[2010 National Scout Jamboree]].

The largest merit badge event is the [[National Jamboree]] Merit Badge Midway, established at Fort A.P. Hill. Since 1981, this program has been held at each jamboree and is expected to feature hundreds of counselors offering nearly 100 merit badges to thousands of Boy Scouts at the [[2010 National Scout Jamboree]].

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A merit badge event let's Scouts learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. An event may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or a variety of fields that might not normally be available. Observatories, planetariums, parks, museums, ships, colleges, universities, police, and fire departments may offer special events available only to Scouts and only one day each year. Scouts might learn first-hand from dentists, veterinaries, doctors, lawyers, financial planners, engineers, chemists, artists, astronomers, scientists, firemen, policemen, and other experts.

A merit badge event let's Scouts learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. An event may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or a variety of fields that might not normally be available. Observatories, planetariums, parks, museums, ships, colleges, universities, police, and fire departments may offer special events available only to Scouts and only one day each year. Scouts might learn first-hand from dentists, veterinaries, doctors, lawyers, financial planners, engineers, chemists, artists, astronomers, scientists, firemen, policemen, and other experts.

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Merit badge events may also offer training in Scout skills through [[First Class]], [[New Leader Training|adult]], and youth leader training. Regardless of the setting or topics, the goal is to have fun as you learn new skills and gain knowledge.

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Merit badge events may also offer training in Scout skills through [[First Class]], [[New Leader Training|adult training]], and youth leader training. Regardless of the setting or topics, the goal is to have fun as you learn new skills and gain knowledge.

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Often certain requirements must be completed outside of the merit badge day either as preparation or with a merit badge counselor at a later date. A merit badge day might include four 2-hour sessions. Depending on the content, one merit badge might require one, two or all four sessions.

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Often certain requirements must be completed outside of the merit badge day either as preparation or with a merit badge counselor at a later date. A merit badge day may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or offer a variety of topics such as:

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A merit badge day may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or offer a variety of topics such as:

* "''In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements.''" - [[Group Instruction of Merit Badges|Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 26

* "''In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements.''" - [[Group Instruction of Merit Badges|Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 26

* ''"You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements."'' - [[Merit Badge Policies#Key Rules|Boy Scout Requirements]] p.23

* ''"You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements."'' - [[Merit Badge Policies#Key Rules|Boy Scout Requirements]] p.23

Each Scout demostrates the skills and knowledge for each requirement. Many merit badge events use [[Merit Badge Worksheets]] to allow [[Merit Badge Counselors]] to offer group instruction but still test each Scout individually. The counselor can see who is understanding and who will need more time. Optioonal worksheets require the Scout to be an active listener, not just hearing words, but understanding concepts.

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Each Scout demonstrates the skills and knowledge for each requirement. Many merit badge events use [[Merit Badge Worksheets]] to allow [[Merit Badge Counselors]] to offer group instruction but still test each Scout individually. The counselor can see who is understanding and who will need more time. Optional worksheets require the Scout to be an active listener, not just hearing words, but showing understanding of concepts.

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Many merit badge events follow the Boy Scout Requirements and Advancement Policies. But some merit badge events instead state that it is the ''merit badge counselor'', not the Scout, who is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge. They test the merit badge counselor, not the Scouts.

Many merit badge events follow the Boy Scout Requirements and Advancement Policies. But some merit badge events instead state that it is the ''merit badge counselor'', not the Scout, who is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge. They test the merit badge counselor, not the Scouts.

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One event states that ''"[http://www.skcbsa.org/buckeye/activities/meritbadge.pdf Counselors will do their best to complete requirements not listed as prerequisites.]"''

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One event states that: ''"[http://www.skcbsa.org/buckeye/activities/meritbadge.pdf Counselors will do their best to complete requirements not listed as prerequisites.]"''

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Instead of each Scout being tested individually, at SeaWorld for $75, every participant gets pizza, a t-shirt, and completes a merit badge: ''"[ http://www.seaworld.org/adventure-camps/swt/sleepover/group/boy-scout.htm Scouts who participate will receive certificate of completion for the Mammal Study merit badge , a complimentary t-shirt, pizza dinner and continental breakfast.]"''

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9809/a-astr.html Astronomy for Scout Groups] - Observing the stars and planets makes a great group activity.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9809/a-astr.html Astronomy for Scout Groups] - Observing the stars and planets makes a great group activity.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-mbfa.html Merit Badges and Five Arrows]- South Florida Council<nowiki>'</nowiki>s annual college, 900 Scouts earn all or part of more than 2,800 merit badges, while another 400 Scouts work toward First Class in a special advancement program.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-mbfa.html Merit Badges and Five Arrows]- South Florida Council's annual college, 900 Scouts earn all or part of more than 2,800 merit badges, while another 400 Scouts work toward First Class in a special advancement program.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-disc.html Days of Discovery] - Missouri merit badge college

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-disc.html Days of Discovery] - Missouri merit badge college

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0111/a-tech.html High-Tech Badges and High-Ideal Lives] - The annual merit badge weekend at the U.S. Naval Academy lets Scouts and midshipmen share good times and common values.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0111/a-tech.html High-Tech Badges and High-Ideal Lives] - The annual merit badge weekend at the U.S. Naval Academy lets Scouts and midshipmen share good times and common values.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0311/a-tool.html Tools of the Trade] - A Wisconsin troop<nowiki>'</nowiki>s annual Home Improvement Camporee gives Scouts hands-on experience in the building trades while they perform a service project.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0311/a-tool.html Tools of the Trade] - A Wisconsin Home Improvement Camporee gives Scouts hands-on experience in the building trades while they perform a service project.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-grtt.html Great Times at Merit Badge U] - Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity, hosts a day on the University of Texas campus in Austin for Boy Scouts and Venturers to work on merit badges and other outdoor skills.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-grtt.html Great Times at Merit Badge U] - Alpha Phi Omega hosts a day on the University of Texas campus in Austin for work on merit badges and other outdoor skills.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-blst.html What a Blast!] - Hands-on experience, quality instructors, great facilities, and fun have made this Utah merit badge event a soaring success for 48 years.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-blst.html What a Blast!] - Hands-on experience, quality instructors, great facilities, and fun have made this Utah merit badge event a soaring success for 48 years.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0501/a-trek.html Trek Into History] - The Henry Ford serves as the ideal vehicle for a weekend of learning and fun for Detroit-area Scouts.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0501/a-trek.html Trek Into History] - The Henry Ford Museum serves as the ideal vehicle for a weekend of learning and fun for Detroit-area Scouts.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0505/a-frst.html A Garden State First] - New Jersey State Police team with five local Scout councils to host 6,100 campers for a first mega-camporee dedicated to learning about law enforcement.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0505/a-frst.html A Garden State First] - New Jersey State Police team with five local Scout councils to host 6,100 campers for mega-camporee dedicated to learning about law enforcement.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0005/a-rndz.html Rendezvous at Ripley] - Five Scout councils team with a National Guard facility to host 9,000 campers at a mega camporee filled with history themes, action centers, and merit badge workshops.'''

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0005/a-rndz.html Rendezvous at Ripley] - Five councils team with a National Guard facility to host 9,000 campers at a mega camporee filled with history, action centers, and merit badge workshops.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9901/a-ecmp.html A Boost Toward Eagle] - A council<nowiki>'</nowiki>s special camp helps older Scouts move up the Trail to Eagle by offering instruction in required merit badges - plus a healthy dose of high adventure.'''

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9901/a-ecmp.html A Boost Toward Eagle] - A council's special camp helps older Scouts move up the Trail to Eagle by offering instruction in required merit badges - plus a healthy dose of high adventure.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-dsbl.html Seeing Beyond Disabilities] - A special camporee lets Scouts personally experience the impact of different physical handicaps and also realize that such limitations need not keep a person from living a full life.'''

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-dsbl.html Seeing Beyond Disabilities] - A special camporee lets Scouts personally experience the impact of different physical handicaps and also realize that such limitations need not keep a person from living a full life.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9910/a-goco.html To God and Country] - Georgia and Alabama Scouts convene at a site rich in historical significance for a weekend focusing on issues of citizenship and the importance of spirituality in their lives plus [[American Cultures]] and [[American Heritage]] merit badges.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9910/a-goco.html To God and Country] - Georgia and Alabama Scouts convene at a site rich in historical significance for a weekend focusing on issues of citizenship and the importance of spirituality in their lives plus [[American Cultures]] and [[American Heritage]] merit badges.

: ''"Scouts that do not complete all of the requriements for a particular merit badge at the Eagle Quest will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back in their unit."''

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: ''"Scouts that do not complete all of the requirements for a particular merit badge at the Eagle Quest will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back in their unit."''

: ''"Each instructor will issue assignments to be completed by the Scout between session."''

: ''"Each instructor will issue assignments to be completed by the Scout between session."''

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: ''"Be certain the Scouts of your unit understand their obligation to fulfill the latest requirements and are in possession of the latest edition of merit badge books."''

: ''"Be certain the Scouts of your unit understand their obligation to fulfill the latest requirements and are in possession of the latest edition of merit badge books."''

: ''"Each of the programs below was developed to meet the needs of the respective badges, and staff at the Foundation are certified merit badge counselors. Some merit badges require more than one visit to the Foundation or extra activities to be done by the individual scout."''

:''" Inability to answer questions or show proficiency of skills will result in non-receipt of the Merit Badge. In such a case there will be no refund of any fees. Scouts who do not receive the badge on their first attempt can return within 4 months for a fee of $10.00."''

:''" To earn your merit badge, you will have to answer the questions posed in this booklet. Members of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity, will aid you by leading discussions of the topics, answering questions, performing demonstrations, and helping you to do experiments."''

Merit badge days are often hosted by local councils, districts, troops, civic groups, fraternities, or chartered organizations and held at a college campus, high school, civic area or during a camporee. Many merit badge events are held once a year as an indoor, outdoor, or combination event.

The largest merit badge event is the National Jamboree Merit Badge Midway, established at Fort A.P. Hill. Since 1981, this program has been held at each jamboree and is expected to feature hundreds of counselors offering nearly 100 merit badges to thousands of Boy Scouts at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

Contents

Overview

A merit badge event let's Scouts learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. An event may focus on a single merit badge or a variety of fields that might not normally be available. Observatories, planetariums, parks, museums, ships, colleges, universities, police, and fire departments may offer special events available only to Scouts and only one day each year. Scouts might learn first-hand from dentists, veterinaries, doctors, lawyers, financial planners, engineers, chemists, artists, astronomers, scientists, firemen, policemen, and other experts.

Merit badge events may also offer training in Scout skills through First Class, adult training, and youth leader training. Regardless of the setting or topics, the goal is to have fun as you learn new skills and gain knowledge.

Often certain requirements must be completed outside of the merit badge day either as preparation or with a merit badge counselor at a later date. A merit badge day may focus on a single merit badge or offer a variety of topics such as:

Merit Badge Requirements and Policies

Qualified: "They must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to serve as merit badge counselors, as well as the ability to work with Scout-age boys. - Advancement Policies #33088, p. 13

Each Scout demonstrates the skills and knowledge for each requirement. Many merit badge events use Merit Badge Worksheets to allow Merit Badge Counselors to offer group instruction but still test each Scout individually. The counselor can see who is understanding and who will need more time. Optional worksheets require the Scout to be an active listener, not just hearing words, but showing understanding of concepts.

Controversies

Many merit badge events follow the Boy Scout Requirements and Advancement Policies. But some merit badge events instead state that it is the merit badge counselor, not the Scout, who is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge. They test the merit badge counselor, not the Scouts.

Instead of each Scout being tested individually, at SeaWorld for $75, every participant gets pizza, a t-shirt, and completes a merit badge: "[ http://www.seaworld.org/adventure-camps/swt/sleepover/group/boy-scout.htm Scouts who participate will receive certificate of completion for the Mammal Study merit badge , a complimentary t-shirt, pizza dinner and continental breakfast.]"

Scouting Magazine Articles

Merit Badges and Five Arrows- South Florida Council's annual college, 900 Scouts earn all or part of more than 2,800 merit badges, while another 400 Scouts work toward First Class in a special advancement program.

Rendezvous at Ripley - Five councils team with a National Guard facility to host 9,000 campers at a mega camporee filled with history, action centers, and merit badge workshops.

A Boost Toward Eagle - A council's special camp helps older Scouts move up the Trail to Eagle by offering instruction in required merit badges - plus a healthy dose of high adventure.

Seeing Beyond Disabilities - A special camporee lets Scouts personally experience the impact of different physical handicaps and also realize that such limitations need not keep a person from living a full life.

"Scouts that do not complete all of the requirements for a particular merit badge at the Eagle Quest will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back in their unit."

"Each instructor will issue assignments to be completed by the Scout between session."

"Each of the programs below was developed to meet the needs of the respective badges, and staff at the Foundation are certified merit badge counselors. Some merit badges require more than one visit to the Foundation or extra activities to be done by the individual scout."

" Inability to answer questions or show proficiency of skills will result in non-receipt of the Merit Badge. In such a case there will be no refund of any fees. Scouts who do not receive the badge on their first attempt can return within 4 months for a fee of $10.00."

" To earn your merit badge, you will have to answer the questions posed in this booklet. Members of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity, will aid you by leading discussions of the topics, answering questions, performing demonstrations, and helping you to do experiments."